Lucas let out a slow sigh, so heavy as if he were holding back an unspoken burden. But still, he didn't respond. He simply stared at Haisley with an unreadable gaze, somewhere between relief that his wife was finally speaking, and anxiety about where this conversation might lead.
Since Haisley woke up from the operation, this was the first time she truly spoke. Not just short exchanges with the nurses or doctors. Her voice this time was filled with pain. Filled with feelings long buried.
"I'm not a burden, Lucas. I'm your wife." Haisley's voice faded, weakening at the end like a candle running out of wick. Her eyes looked at Lucas bitterly. "If you don't want a child from me, then what is it that you actually want from me?"
Lucas looked at his wife, and for a moment, time seemed to stop. Then, with a low but steady voice, he answered, "You. Only you."
That answer left Haisley speechless. Her eyes widened, staring at Lucas with a mix of confusion, anger, and near disbelief.
